Olympiad awards from 11th grade to count for university admission

Laureates of national and international school olympiads and competitions, as well as medallists at the Olympic Games and world and European championships, will be able to count awards won in 11th grade when applying to state universities, bTV reported. Until now only awards from 12th grade, the final school year, counted. Olympiad laureates receive the top mark of 6 in exams matching the subject of their olympiad.

The change amends the ordinance on state requirements for student admission, adopted by government decree, with the text brought into line with the Higher Education Act. The new rules could apply from next year. Education Minister Georgi Valchev called it "a lasting trend" aimed at keeping young talent in Bulgarian universities. He said parents had also filed complaints urging the change.